Swedish Vallhund vs Swedish Lapphund vs Leonberger – Which one is a better dog breed for you?
"Find similarities and differences between Swedish Vallhund vs Swedish Lapphund vs Leonberger"
Compare Swedish Vallhund and Swedish Lapphund. Which is better: Swedish Vallhund or Swedish Lapphund or Leonberger?
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| Name | Swedish Vallhund | Swedish Lapphund | Leonberger |
|---|---|---|---|
| Origins |  Sweden | Sweden |  Germany |
| Group | Pastoral Dogs (Herding Dogs) | Companion Dogs | Working Dogs |
| Popularity Rank | 149 | 328 | 100 |
| Reviews | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Rate |
| Other Names | Västgötaspets | Svensk lapphund | Leo, Gentle Lion, Gentle Giant, Leonbergi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breed Type | Purebred | Purebred | Purebred |
| AKC Group | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2007 as a Herding breed. | Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2010 as a Working breed. |
| FCI Group | Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Nordic Watchdogs and Herders section. | Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Nordic Watchdogs and Herders section. | Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Molossian type section. |
| Breed Recognition | American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Dog Registry of America Inc. Kennel Club of Great Britain New Zealand Kennel Club North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. | American Kennel Club United Kennel Club | American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club |
| Price | $500-$600 | $400-$600 | $1500-$2000 |
General Appearance - Swedish Vallhund vs Swedish Lapphund vs Leonberger
| Size | Medium | Medium | Giant |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 25-35 pounds (11-15 kg) | Male: 40-44 pounds (18–20 kg), Female: 35-44 pounds (16–18 kg) | Male: 130-170 pounds (59-77 kg), Female: 100-130 pounds (45-59 kg) |
| Avg. Weight | 30 pounds (13 kg) | Male: 42 pounds (18–20 kg), Female: 39.5 pounds (16–18 kg) | Male: 150 pounds (68 kg), Female: 115 pounds (52 kg) |
| Height | 12-16 inches (30-40 cm) | Male: 18-20 inches (45-51 cm), Female: 16-18 inches (40-46 cm) | Male: 29-31 inches (74-80 cm), Female: 27-29 inches (61-74 cm) |
| Avg. Height | 14 inches (35 cm) | Male: 19 inches (48 cm), Female: 17 inches (43 cm) | Male: 30 inches (77 cm), Female: 28 inches (67.5 cm) |
Hair & Care - Swedish Vallhund vs Swedish Lapphund vs Leonberger
| Coat | Thick | Fluffy | Waterproof |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colors | Gray White Red Blue Black | White Brown Black | Red Sandy Reddish Brown Yellow Mahogany |
| Grooming | Average: The Swedish Vallhund requires average grooming effort. | Average: The Swedish Lapphund requires average grooming effort. | Average: The Leonberger requires average grooming effort. |
| Shedding Level | Swedish Vallhunds are heavy shedders. | Swedish Lapphunds are heavy shedders. | Leonbergers are heavy shedders. |
Characteristics - Swedish Vallhund vs Swedish Lapphund vs Leonberger
| Temperament | Alert Fearless Watchful Energetic Friendly | Affectionate Kind Trainable Alert Lively Versatile | Adaptable Fearless Loyal Companionable Loving Obedient |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intelligent Rank | Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. | Average: Swedish Lapphund's has average obedience intelligence. | Average: Leonberger's has average obedience intelligence. |
| Trainability | Swedish Vallhunds are quite easy to train. | Swedish Lapphunds are quite easy to train. | Leonbergers are quite easy to train. |
| Playfulness | Swedish Vallhunds, like any other dog breed, like playing. | The Swedish Lapphund is a highly playful breed. | The Leonberger is a playful breed. |
| Sensitivity Level | Swedish Vallhunds have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. | Swedish Lapphunds have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. | They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. |
| Affection Level | Swedish Vallhunds are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | Swedish Lapphunds are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | Leonbergers are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. |
| Social Needs | Swedish Vallhunds are a social breed. | Swedish Lapphunds are a social breed. | Leonbergers need a lot of social interaction. |
| Barking | Average to high: The Swedish Vallhund is a vocal breed. | High: The Swedish Lapphund is a very vocal breed. | Low: The Leonberger barks none to minimal. |
| Watchdog Ability | Swedish Vallhunds are good watchdogs. | Swedish Lapphunds are good watchdogs. | Leonbergers are one of the best watchdogs. |
| Territorial | Swedish Vallhunds are not the best to protect their territory. | Swedish Lapphunds are extremely protective guard dogs. | Leonbergers are extremely protective guard dogs. |
| Biting Potential |
Low The Swedish Vallhund has a low chance of biting somebody. |
Low The Swedish Lapphund has a low chance of biting somebody. |
Low The Leonberger has a low chance of biting somebody. |
| Mouthiness | Swedish Vallhunds have lower than average tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. | Swedish Lapphunds have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. | Leonbergers have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. |
| Impulse to Wander or Roam | Swedish Vallhunds have average wanderlust potential. | Wanderlust potential of the Swedish Lapphund is strong enough to escape from home. | Leonbergers tend to escape less than other breeds. |
| Prey Drive | Swedish Vallhunds have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. | Swedish Lapphunds don't have an impulse to catch or chase small animals. | Leonbergers have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. |
| Apartment Friendly | Swedish Vallhunds are not the best choice for an apartment lifestyle, but they don't mind being inside if you walk them several times every day. | Swedish Lapphunds are not recommended for an apartment lifestyle. | Leonbergers are not apartment-friendly dogs. |
| Adaptability | Swedish Vallhunds adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. | Swedish Lapphunds adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. | Leonbergers adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually. |
| Tolerates Being Left Alone | Swedish Vallhunds do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work. | Swedish Lapphunds do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work. | Leonbergers tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them. |
| Fighting Dog |
Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog. |
Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog. |
Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog. |
Good With - Swedish Vallhund vs Swedish Lapphund vs Leonberger
| Stranger Friendly | Swedish Vallhunds are very stranger friendly dogs. | Swedish Lapphunds are not the most stranger friendly dogs. | Leonbergers are average friendly towards strangers. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Child Friendly | Swedish Vallhunds are very kid-friendly dogs. | Swedish Lapphunds are very kid-friendly dogs. | Leonbergers are very kid-friendly dogs. |
| Cat Friendly | Swedish Vallhunds are very cat-friendly dogs. | Swedish Lapphunds are very cat-friendly dogs. | Leonbergers are average friendly towards cats. |
| Dog Friendly | Swedish Vallhunds are average friendly towards other dogs. | Swedish Lapphunds are very dog-friendly dogs. | Leonbergers are dog-friendly dogs. |
| Office Friendly |
Yes Swedish Vallhund is one of the best dog breeds for office environment |
No Swedish Lapphund is not the best dog breed for office environment. |
No Leonberger is not the best dog breed for office environment. |
| Senior Citizens Friendly | Swedish Vallhunds are one of the best breeds for elderly people. | Swedish Lapphunds are one of the best breeds for elderly people. | Leonbergers are one of the best breeds for elderly people. |
| Pet Friendly | Swedish Vallhunds are one of the friendliest dog breeds. | Swedish Lapphunds are one of the friendliest dog breeds. | Leonbergers are generally with other pets. |
| Good For First Time Owners |
Yes Swedish Vallhunds are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality. |
Yes Swedish Lapphunds are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality. |
No Leonbergers are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality. |
| Service Dog |
Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. |
Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. |
Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. |
| Therapy Dog |
Not really This breed generally not used as a therapy dog. |
Not really This breed generally not used as a therapy dog. |
Not really This breed generally not used as a therapy dog. |
| Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog |
Not really A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones. |
Not really A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones. |
Not really A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones. |
| Search and Rescue Dog (SAR) |
Not really The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and in locating missing people. |
Not really The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and in locating missing people. |
Not really The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and in locating missing people. |
| Boat Dog |
Not really Swedish Vallhund breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. |
Not really Swedish Lapphund breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. |
Not really Leonberger breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. |
| Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog |
Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. |
Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. |
Yes A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. |
Health Factors - Swedish Vallhund vs Swedish Lapphund vs Leonberger
| Health Issues | Swedish Vallhunds tend to have more and frequent health issues than other breeds. | Swedish Lapphunds tend to have a lot and frequent health issues. | Leonbergers tend to have more and frequent health issues than other breeds. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health Problems | Heart Problems Hip Dysplasia Patellar Luxation Retinal Dysplasia Skin Allergies Spina Befida | Allergies Ear Infections Eye Infections | Addison's Disease Bloat Cancer Ectropion Elbow Dysplasia Entropion Eosinophilic Panosteitis Hip Dysplasia Inherited Polyneuropathy |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 10-13 years | 8-10 years |
| Hypoallergenic | No | No | No |
| Energy Level | Swedish Vallhunds are high energy dogs. | Swedish Lapphunds have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. | Leonbergers have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. |
| Exercise Need | Swedish Vallhunds need quite a lot of exercise. | Swedish Lapphunds need quite a lot of exercise. | Leonbergers need quite a lot of exercise. |
| Sleeping Need | Swedish Vallhunds don't need too much sleep. | Swedish Lapphunds are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend to much time with sleeping. | Leonbergers are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend to much time with sleeping. |
| Avg. daily food consumption | Recommended daily amount: 1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food daily, divided into two meals. | 1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. | 8 to 10 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals |
| Weight Gain Potential | Average to High. | Average. | Average to High. |
| Weather & Climate |
Prefers average to cold weather conditions The Swedish Vallhund can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. |
Prefers average to cold weather conditions The Swedish Lapphund can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. |
Prefers cold weather The Leonberger can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog. |
| Stinkiness |
Medium The Swedish Vallhund has an average chance of bad smell. |
Medium The Swedish Lapphund has an average chance of bad smell. |
Medium The Leonberger has an average chance of bad smell. |
| Drooling tendency | The Swedish Vallhund is a perfect example for very low drooling tendency. | The Swedish Lapphund is a perfect example for very low drooling tendency. | The Leonberger is an average drooler. |
Reproducibility - Swedish Vallhund vs Swedish Lapphund vs Leonberger
| Gestation Length | 60-64 days | 60-64 days | 60-64 days |
|---|---|---|---|
| How often can the have a litter? |
Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. |
Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. |
Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. |
| Litter Size | 4-8 puppies | 4-6 puppies | 6-8 puppies |
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